Hey everyone! I've been working on a custom Linux distribution called Covox, which is based on Debian 13 and features KDE (and soon XFCE). Covox is designed to be fully functional offline, catering especially to areas with limited or slow internet access, like Cuba. It comes pre-installed with useful software including LibreOffice and Wine, along with all the necessary Microsoft Visual Redistributables (from 2005 to 2015) and DirectX to ensure Wine works seamlessly right out of the box. Additionally, I've created a Linux tutorial app to help users transition from Windows. My question is whether I should release Covox to the public to help those in need or keep it a private project for friends. I'm concerned about the potential legal issues involved, especially since it includes Microsoft executables and Windows-like themes, and I don't want to get into trouble.
4 Answers
It's great that you're creating a distro to support underserved communities! However, you're stepping into a complex legal landscape. While you can share open-source software, check the licenses for each package you include—especially concerning Microsoft software. If you do go public, consider separating the open-source and proprietary components, maybe even creating a tool for users to install the Microsoft components themselves while making sure they accept the EULAs. Better safe than sorry!
Releasing your distro with Microsoft components is risky—you might get in trouble for that. If you want to release Covox, consider removing those elements. It could diminish what makes your distro unique, though, so think it through!
Great job on working towards your own distro! Just keep in mind, maintaining a Linux distribution can be quite taxing. Many successful distros have a sustainable business model to support their development. It might be more beneficial to create a repository of your needed software and scripts you can share instead. That way, you could help users without the complexities of a full distro release.
Not a legal expert, but you should know that Cuba is still under an embargo. While redistributing those Microsoft redistributables might seem allowed, doing so to an embargoed country could be tricky. Better to be cautious about what you distribute!
You can definitely download these in Cuba and even buy Windows; the real trouble is just the really slow and expensive internet!
Thanks for the advice! I think I’ll just keep it private for now to avoid any risks. I’d love to separate the drivers and Windows content, but that would depend on internet access for downloads, which defeats the purpose of an offline distro.